Remco Evenepoel and Primoz Roglic will repeat in the Giro d’Italia 2023 the duel that both cyclists staged in the last Tour of Spain until the Slovenian had to retire due to the hard fall he suffered near the Tomares finish line when both were fighting hand in hand for the La Vuelta overall.
In statements collected by Cyclingnews During the presentation of the Soudal Quick-Step, Evenepoel stated that he was surprised by the announcement that Roglic would race in the Giro. “At first I was surprised, because the week before they said that he was not going to go to the Giro, so it is special to read that he finally does go. I am very happy that Primoz Roglic is coming to the Giro. I hope he has a good preparation and that he recovers from his shoulder injury. I hope he is in his best form and that there will be a great competition on a very tough course”.
A Roglic about whom Evenepoel has no doubts as the main rival to beat this year in the Giro d’Italia. “If Roglic is the rival to beat? Of course, why not? He has more experience in grand tours. He has done the Giro, where he has finished third. And we are talking about Primoz Roglic, a triple winner of La Vuelta who has been on the podium in several great tours. Look at his record, he is the best Grand Tour rider in this year’s Giro. It will be nice to compete against him”
Evenepoel himself wanted to highlight that he admires the Slovenian for the risks he takes and also warns of the time that the Slovenian can take in any type of final. “From Roglic I have learned that he is not afraid. He wants to take risks to gain time and he gives it his all in any finish, be it walls, hills or even flat sprints. He is very strong and has a very good sprint. You can take time anywhere whenever you want and it’s something we have to be careful with”